SHREVEPORT, La. - The Centenary men’s soccer team opens its 28th season of play against the University of Central Arkansas Saturday at Mayo Field. Game time is set for 7 p.m.

Under the direction of third-year head coach Eric Mayo, the Gents look to start the 2006 season on the right foot Saturday against the Bears.

Headlining the returners this season for the Gents is junior Aaron Volanski(Magnolia, Texas/Memphis). The midfielder led Centenary in points and goals last season, tallying 13 points on five goals and three assists. Volanski scored all three of the Gents game-winning goals from last season.

Also returning for the Bears is senior forward Nick Hankins, who led the team with eight assists and added 11 goals for 30 points.

Sophomore Chris Murphy returns as the only goalkeeper on the Central Arkansas roster who saw action last season. The 6-foot-3 goalkeeper played in seven contests in 2005, ending the season with a 1.67 goals-against average and a 3-0-1 record.

The Bears ranked eighth nationally in Division II in goals per game (2.85) last season.

Saturday will be the first meeting between Centenary and Central Arkansas. Admission to the contest is free.